Combine history and beach fun on a visit to Roman Tarragona and coastal Sitges on a full-day small group tour by minivan from Barcelona. You'll travel in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan and numbers are limited to a maximum of 15 people on this small tour, you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.

Highlights

Comprehensive tour by bus/coach

Small-group tour by minibus

Pickup from a centrally located meeting point

Traveling back to the days of the ancient Romans at Tarragona, retrace the footsteps of Roman gladiators, stand where their chariots raced by and walk across the magnificent Roman aqueduct. You'll also see Tarragona's Old Quarter, with its stunning cathedral.

Leaving Tarragona, you'll visit Roc de Sant Gaieta, a tiny village built on the rocky shoreline. Take a stroll among the town and enjoy coastal views from a seaside bar.

Then it's on to Sitges to discover the authentic Mediterranean atmosphere of this old fisherman's village with its shady streets, traditional whitewashed houses, 17 beaches and cosmopolitan bars, boutiques and restaurants.

Because we believe in time off the bus and give you opportunities to get out and about, please bring suitable clothing, footwear, and sun protection. You will also have an opportunity to go swimming in Sitges, if you would like to swim, bring your swimming costume and a beach towel.

Itinerary:

The tour leaves Barcelona at 8:30am and heads straight down to Tarragona, the old Roman Capital. The Romans chose Tarragona's strategic position as the site of a military camp during their campaigns against the Carthaginian troops in 218 BC. In time, that primitive fortress became the Capital of Hispania Citerior, one of the biggest provinces within the Roman Empire.

Our first stop is just past Tarragona where you will discover the impressive Roman Aqueduct (1st century BC) popularly known as 'El Pont del Diable' (The Devil's Bridge) or 'Les Ferreres' Aqueduct. It used to be part of the water supply network of the city and today stands in almost perfect condition. Over 200 meters long and nearly 30 meters high it is one of the hidden jewels of the area. This is a rare chance to get completely off the beaten track and visit one of the most amazing architectural wonders of Catalonia - and one that hardly anybody knows about.

From the aqueduct we travel back to Tarragona quietly entering the old part of the city through a narrow gateway in the ancient walls. Nowadays, the new city overlaps the site of the ancient Acropolis and during your visit you will see firsthand the surprising coexistence of a Roman past and modern life. Starting at the Archaeological walkway, you will be able to admire the surviving stone walls, wander through the historic old quarter - passing the medieval hospital - before stopping at the Cathedral where you can enjoy the Sunday morning antique market. Few tourists ever make it to Tarragona, and fewer still stumble across this traditional market. It's a great chance to pick up something truly unique from the area. For others, there is ample time to explore the beautiful cathedral that looks down on the antique collectors.

From there, you continue down through the old town to discover the Roman Forum and the nearby Roman Circus hidden amidst the urban design. Walk along the underground passageways that held the Circus' stands and come to one of the most popular squares within the old town, Placa de la Font, situated inside the Roman Circus. If you stand very still and close your eyes, you can almost hear the chariots racing by. On this very spot, thousands of years ago on, perhaps on the very same day of the week, the Roman capital of the Iberian Peninsula came alive in all of its bloody glory.

And last, but certainly not least, enjoy the breathtaking seaview over the Roman amphitheater and imagine gladiators battling each other to the death! It's a poignant moment to stand on the same dusty ground that bore witness to countless scenes of sacrifice and passion. Perhaps most fascinating of all is the Christian church built in the middle of the stage out of the very same blocks that were used in their amphitheater.

At 12.30 we leave Tarragona and stop briefly at Roc de Sant Gaieta, an intimate little village built on the rocky shoreline. Stroll between its tiny white houses and let your imagination take you away to Ibiza fishing villages built with a touch of Roman-Greco flair.

Arrive at Sitges at around 2:00pm. This once quiet fishing village today boasts a long and sandy beach, groovy boutiques, and a handful of interesting sights. Sitges has been fashionable since the 1890s, when it became an avant-garde art-world hang-out. Get lost in its shady side streets and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere with its old whitewashed fisherman's houses. After leaving this charming labyrinth, you suddenly find yourself on the seafront. Make a stop in one of the numerous cosmopolitan cafes and restaurants and imagine yourself in St. Tropez. Sitges has dining options to suit every taste and budget. After a leisurely Sunday lunch you might want to head off to one of the 17 beaches the town has to offer.

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Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 7 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.

Traveler Reviews

Super informative tour guide, he really knew his stuff and was passionate about the country and its history. Tarragona is a must see place!! highly recommend doing the tours that stop in the beach towns, Sitges, only in the summer though, as nearly everything was closed and the time we had to explore was wasted.